Revere community rallies around Bath child after tragedy strikes

by Laura Straub

Laurie Chervenic has lived in the area for 25 years, but it wasn’t until her family faced tragedy that she realized how much compassion exists within the community.

In summer 2016, Chervenic’s son, Joshua Parker, and his partner Amber Cook were killed in a car accident, leaving behind their two children, 5-year-old Jeremiah and 11-month-old Alayna.

Jeremiah and Alayna moved from their home in Streetsboro to live with Chervenic and her husband in Bath, and that August Jeremiah began kindergarten at Richfield Elementary School.

“He was in shock, as he had to start a new life in a new community at a new school and learn to live without his parents,” said Chervenic. “The counselor said he had PTSD [post traumatic stress syndrome]. … His whole world had changed.”

Faculty support

After the accident, it wasn’t easy for Jeremiah to leave his grandparents and go to school. Fortunately, he had a loving support system ready to meet him, starting with Principal Julie Gulley waiting for him at the school’s front door.

“Although she was very busy as the principal of a large elementary school, Julie would make it a point to send morning texts letting him know she was there waiting to greet him, and that they’d make it through the day together,” said Chervenic. “Whenever he felt stressed, he knew he could find Principal Gulley and she’d help.”

Gulley said it is standard to have a teacher or guidance counselor stationed at the front door, ready to meet any children who are struggling with going to school.

“We try to help in any way we can to get them in the door and get them happy and smiling by the time they are in the classroom,” said Gulley.

But Jeremiah needed a little extra support, so Gulley would sit with him in class until he would smile and say he felt safe.

“We want him to know that when you’re here, you don’t have to worry,” said Gulley.

Jeremiah’s first-grade teacher, Deborah Schwertner, is another important part of his support system.

“Jeremiah is a very bright boy with much to offer,” said Schwertner. “He has wonderful leadership qualities and is a hard worker. He has a kind heart and is a friend to all. He has faced a difficult situation, which would be hard for anyone to deal with, especially a child his age.”

Schwertner and guidance counselor Michelle Pruchnicki began brainstorming incentives that Jeremiah could earn with good attendance.

“I knew he had a strong interest in football, as he would often talk about it,” said Schwertner. “Our initial thought was to find a high school mentor for Jeremiah. We thought maybe we could connect football to the mentorship.”

High school mentorship

Schwertner’s son Andrew, a tackle on the Revere High School football team, just happened to have a study hall period available that enabled him to meet with Jeremiah.

“Mrs. Pruchnicki reached out to his high school guidance counselor to see if it would be something he was interested in pursuing,” Schwertner said.

After establishing the expectations of the mentorship and preparing Andrew for what he might encounter with Jeremiah, the two were introduced.

“Jeremiah’s face immediately lit up,” Deborah Schwertner said. “If we could have that moment on video, it was priceless. He looked up in awe at Andrew’s size and was smiling like no smile we have ever seen. They spent time together that day talking and getting to know each other. Jeremiah felt comfortable with Andrew immediately, as he shared about his parents’ passing with him.”

The admiration was mutual.

“After the initial meeting, Andrew stopped down in my classroom and said, ‘Jeremiah is such a cool kid. I really liked working with him today,’” he said.

Every couple of days, Andrew and Jeremiah would meet to talk about school and the importance of attendance.

“Andrew explained the rules that in high school, if you are absent, you cannot attend football practice or play in the game,” Schwertner said. “This seemed to really surprise Jeremiah. They made a deal and shook on it that Jeremiah would come to school on time for three days in a row. If this happened, Andrew would come back for a visit.”

Jeremiah hit his goal, and his visits with Andrew evolved into talking about everything from school and football to personal experiences. They even played catch or an occasional two-on-two game.

“It made me feel good that giving up 20 minutes a day made such a difference for Jeremiah,” said Andrew. “I learned that all I had to do was give a little bit of my time, and what a great impact it may have on Jeremiah his entire life. We will always be friends, and I will always be there should Jeremiah need something down the road. He taught me that when life is tough, to keep persevering.”

Honorary captain

Even two years after the accident, Jeremiah, now 7, needs encouragement when it comes to persevering.

“This year, he started off a little bit shaky, and they wanted to give him something to look forward to,” said Chervenic.

Deborah asked Revere football coach James Boyeas for an old jersey for Jeremiah to earn. Boyeas did much more.

“Coach Boyeas immediately said he would like to make Jeremiah honorary captain, but would need to check with our athletic director to see if this was something we could do,” she said. “Everyone thought it was a great idea, and what football is truly all about, being a team and working together.”

So, during the Revere Homecoming game on Oct. 5, Jeremiah suited up in his pads and Revere peewee football uniform. He was welcomed into the locker room, warmed up with the team on the field, participated in the coin toss and, in front of a packed crowd, ran on to the field with the team as they broke through a banner to start the game. The team even set up a play and let Jeremiah make a touchdown.

“I am so lucky that I was able to see it happen,” said Deborah. “Andrew explained what being an honorary captain entailed and asked Jeremiah if he would accept. Jeremiah was in complete shock. He was speechless; he kept shaking his head yes. There wasn’t a dry eye among the adults in the room. We knew this mentorship was working better than we had ever hoped.”

Jeremiah said it was the best day of his life, Chervenic said.

“I’m just really proud to live here, and they’ve just made an enormous difference in his life,” she said.

 

Featured image photo caption: Jeremiah Parker, 7, shakes hands with the referee at the Revere High School Homecoming football game Oct. 5, where he served as honorary captain. Photo courtesy L. Chervenic